Dig Deeper
Alliances provide comparative data to encourage consumers to use it in making health care decisions. We asked consumers to test the public reporting websites of eight Alliances. Here is what we learned about the best ways to display comparative reports.
Use a consistent framework. Reinforce the framework found on the home page by using the same categories throughout the data displays. Test terminology with consumers and define terms within quality score displays.
Explain how to use the information. Guidance might include how to use the data to select a provider or a hospital. “Tips For Getting Quality Care” on Oregon’s homepage provides many helpful resources.
Use clear labeling and proven strategies to display data. Word icons that combine symbols with a descriptive word make it easier for users to identify and understand patterns such as identifying top performers within and across measures. Explain icons and describe how they were derived.
Allow users to limit the number of providers to examine. Help prevent information overload by allowing users to select the type and amount of data to be compared, for example, by provider type or geography.
Provide summary scores. Summary scores combine multiple measures into a single score. They allow quick comparisons across providers and hospitals and potentially across conditions.
Explain why data are missing. Explaining why data are missing improves transparency, thus facilitating an understanding of differences in quality.
Be clear about data sources. To many, using comparative quality data is unchartered territory. Unfamiliarity combined with an inability to identify the data source can result in distrust. Present easy-to-understand information on sources in various places throughout the site. See Oregon’s explanation of the data source at About the scores.
Provide other information to help with health care decision-making. When making decisions, people consider a variety of factors. When you click a practice name on the Cincinnati website, a profile page appears with information including: office hours, accepting new patients, insurance accepted, languages spoken, etc.
What are some ways consumers can help improve health care?
Leadership positions and health care activism are a good start
What is the Consumer Engagement Leadership Consortium?
An integral part of AF4Q's work.
How does working with consumers influence discharge planning?
You increase patient understanding.
How do you explain the idea of “high-quality health care"?
The answer varies, but understanding it is paramount.
What are the benefits of personal health records?
They can help consumers and providers.
How do we attract employers to partner with us to improve health care quality?
Show them the benefit.
- Why do consumers need to know how much things cost?
- How do we help employers maintain their interest and energy in our partnership?
- What role do employers play in improving care quality?
- What frameworks can I use to engage and activate consumers?
- What are the benefits of personal health records?
- What is the Consumer Engagement Leadership Consortium?
- Where should I incorporate consumers into my practice or hospital?
- How do you explain the idea of “high-quality health care"?
- How do I clarify my role as a consumer within my organization or Alliance?
- How do I become a better consumer leader?